Like all parts of our body, the feet change as a person ages. From flattening out to drier skin to toenail changes, your loved one’s feet do not look the same as they did when she was younger. And they don’t feel the same either. Her feet may give her more trouble and cause more pain than she lets on, but it’s important to keep on top of all issues that affect her feet.
The feet have one of the most important jobs when it comes to remaining physically active. Without their support and ability to provide the strength and stamina to move around, your loved one can easily become bedridden or unable to move about without the assistance of a wheelchair or walker. Those limitations can make it difficult for her to get the exercise she needs to stay in good health and enjoy the many parts of her life that bring her joy. Learn more about how personal care at home can help.
Four Signs that Your Loved One is Having Foot Pain But Not Telling You About It.
- The clearest sign is that her gait has changed. Is she walking with a limp or favoring one leg over the other? Do you notice that she’s walking “tenderly,” like she’s afraid of putting too much weight on one foot? She could also be relying on more nearby objects to prop herself up on when standing to relieve the weight on her feet.
- She’s turning down invitations to events that require walking. Does she always have an excuse not to join you on the morning walk, or has she stopped meeting her friends in the park for a stroll?
- She insists on only wearing one pair of shoes or not wearing shoes at all.
- She’s fallen more often recently.
Common Causes of Foot Pain in the Elderly
Talk to your loved one if you’ve noticed changes in her walk or if she seems to be expressing more painful grimaces or sighs when walking. Oftentimes, the cause of foot pain can be easily relieved with the proper action and care.
- Arthritis. The foot has many bones and joints that can easily be affected by arthritis. The ankle and the toes may become inflamed and stiff when arthritis sets in, making walking on her feet extremely painful, especially after sitting or resting for a while.
- Edema or water retention. If your loved one has a condition that causes edema, the swelling in her feet may make walking difficult and painful.
- Diabetic neuropathy. This can lead to numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the feet, making it not only painful to walk but also dangerous.
- Ingrown toenails. This condition can make shoes and walking uncomfortable.
- Cracked heels. Often leads to sores that make walking painful.
Taking care of Your Loved One’s Feet with Personal Care at Home
Once you determine the issue, a common hurdle of foot care for your loved one may be her inability to reach and see her feet. If this is the case, a personal care at home provider can help your loved one care for her feet. A personal care at home provider can help with proper toenail trimming, applying lotion to dry skin, and observing the feet for any injuries. Staying on top of foot issues and caring for them consistently can help your loved one continue to enjoy her feet and all the places they’ll take her.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Ashburn, VA, please contact the caring staff at Access Home Care Inc today! Call (703) 765-9350
Access Home Care provider in Arlington, Alexandria, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Manassas, Ashburn, Falls Church, McLean, Lorton, Springfield, Woodbridge, Fairfax, Virginia and the surrounding communities.
“My desire to enter into nursing started when one of my older sisters died of kidney disease due to lack of care. At age 15, I decided to enter into nursing so that I could provide quality care to patients.Upon arrival in United States at 21 years of age, I enrolled in T.C Willliams School of Practical Nursing while working as a nursing assistant at a nursing home. I also worked as a part-time home health aide to take of the elderly. After completion of my practical nurse education, I worked in geriatric psychiatry unit at Dominion Hospital and Arlington Correctional facility mental health unit.
I completed Marymount University in 2001 and entered into Home Care as a field case manager.
I held that position for 2 years and as an Administrator, and for another 2 years until Access Home Care was found in 2004."
Today, Access Home Care has over 300 employees and 286 clients.
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